What Is The Purpose Of The Rear Support Arm On The Curt Trailer Hitch C13190 For 2013 Mercedes GL450

Published 07/22/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(21)

$494.25

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(15)

$422.15

Question:

I saw a picture of the c13190 on your product page. The perpendicular piece of metal that bolts from the back of the hitch to the middle rear frame of the mercedes gl450. If I were rear ended hard by a vehicle will that bent my rear frame of the mercedes. It seems like a design flaw but maybe you can shed some light into this situation. Thanks

asked by: Raymond W

Expert Reply:

The rear mounting arm of the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13190 you were looking at for your 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 is designed to add extra strength and stability to the trailer hitch receiver, which is shown in its much higher ratings of 900lbs tongue weight and 7500lb trailer weight rating.

I guess it is possible if you were rear ended hard enough directly on the receiver it could cause frame damaged, but that is pretty unlikely as it would first need to bend frame where your bumper is mounted, in which case the frame is already going to be very significantly damaged.

If you are not comfortable with this style of hitch then a better option would be the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13102 which only mounts to the frame where the bumper is mounted, and does not have the rear support. The only down side of this is the hitch has a much lower rating at 350lbs tongue weight and 3500lb trailer weight.

If you are planning on towing with your GL450 you will also need a vehicle wiring harness # 119250KIT, and a ball mount, hitch ball, and hitch pin and clip which can all be found in the etrailer Ball Mount Kit # 989900.

I included installation videos for each of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C